At Sea Otter Australia, the Cyclo-Cross race is unlike any other in Australia!
We are bringing you the nation’s only beachside Cyclo-Cross race, set against the stunning backdrop of Batemans Bay Marine Park.
This isn’t your typical CX course – we’re taking the action to the sand! Imagine a mass start, riders battling it out along a 400m stretch of pristine beach, weaving right through the heart of the Sea Otter Australia event hub. This event promises thrilling racing and a fantastic atmosphere for both competitors and spectators. Racers will be grouped into grades based on National and State results, ensuring a competitive and exciting event for all.
Come witness the unique blend of Cyclo-Cross tradition and coastal beauty at Sea Otter Australia!
Sea Otter Australia Ottercross
Riders are requested to assemble at the Start Zone under the main expo bridge alongside the Otterjam Jump park
| Sunday 25th OCT | TIME |
|---|---|
| Event Village & Registration Open | 7:00 AM |
| Rider Practice | 10:00-10:50 AM |
| Racing Starts | 11:00 AM |
| Presentations Main Stage | 1:00 PM |
Event Guide
Click tabs below to view detailed information on this event.
2026 Festival Guide
Our Festival Guide contains everything you need to know about every aspect of Sea Otter Australia 2026.
Got a question, see event FAQ’s below or hit us up on the chat to learn more!
Ottercross Format
Australia’s Only Beachside Cyclo-Cross Race, Set on the Sand at Batemans Bay.
Experience Australia’s only beachside Cyclo-Cross race at Sea Otter Australia, with a thrilling mass start on a 400m stretch of sand right through the event hub.
- Australia’s only beachside Cyclo-Cross event
- Held on a 400m stretch of pristine beach
- Set within Batemans Bay Marine Park
- Mass start right through the event hub
- Evening race with great spectator energy
- Riders grouped by National and State CX rankings
- Combines Cyclo-Cross tradition with coastal vibes
- Unique, high-energy racing experience not to be missed
Ottercross course
The 2026 Sea Otter Australia Ottercross Course starts from the Start Zone under the main expo bridge alongside the Otterjam Jump park.
Sea Otter Australia Festival & Expo
Hanging Rock Pl, Batemans Bay NSW 2536
Ottercross
For a complete list of all of the age group categories click here
| Entry | Release 1 | Release 2 | Release 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| All Competitors | $69 | $79 | $89 |
| Female & Male | 16 Mar – 31 May | 1 Jun – 30 Sep | 1 Oct |
Ottercross Categories
Your Age group will automatically be assigned during the registration process based on your Year of Birth.
| Category | Race length | Tyres |
|---|---|---|
| A Grade | 50 minutes + 1 lap | Max 33mm measured width. Drop bars required. |
| B Grade | 40 minutes + 1 lap | Max 42mm |
| C Grade | 30 minutes + 1 lap | No restriction |
| Junior U19 | 30 minutes + 1 lap | No restriction |
| Sub Junior U15 and U17 | 30 minutes + 1 lap | No restriction |
| Adaptive Open (17+) |
Ottercross Rules
The following rules are specific to this event and are in addition to our General Event Rules which can be seen here
The official regulations for Sea Otter Australia Muc Off Ottercross event is based on Australian national (AusCycling) and international (UCI) standards, adapted for local grading.
| Rule Category | A Grade (Elite/Fastest) | B Grade (Intermediate) | C Grade, Juniors and Sub Juniors (Beginner/Novice) |
| Tire Width (Max Measured) | 33 mm | 42 mm | No Restriction |
| Bike Restriction | Drop Handlebars Required. Must be a Cyclocross or Gravel bike. | Drop Handlebars Recommended. Mountain bikes are permitted. | No Restriction (Any safe bicycle, e.g., Mountain Bike, Gravel, Cyclocross, Road with knobbies). |
| Race Length | 50 minutes (Plus one lap) | 40minutes (Plus one lap) | 30 minutes (Plus one lap) |
| Tech Zone (Pits) | Mandatory use for technical assistance and bike changes. A spare bike is permitted. | Mandatory use for technical assistance. Riders must run to the pit if a mechanical renders the bike unrideable. A spare bike permitted. | Recommended use for technical assistance. Spares can be kept in the pit, but riders may do self-supported repairs outside the pit area if not obstructing the course. |
Key Rule Details Explained:
Tire Width
- A Grade: Enforces the UCI standard of maximum 33 mm measured width.
- B Grade: Uses a wider limit 42mm to accommodate stock gravel bikes.
- C Grade, Junior and Sub Juniors: No restriction to maximize accessibility. Ride what you have.
Bike Restrictions
- A Grade: Strictly drop-bar cyclocross or gravel bikes to maintain the traditional CX spirit and UCI standard.
- B Grade: Relaxed to allow Mountain Bikes, as is common in Australian B-Grade CX, but drop bars are encouraged.
- C Grade, Juniors and Sub Juniors: The “run what you brung” spirit applies. Any safe bicycle is allowed, including mountain bikes, flat-bar gravel bikes, and older road bikes with suitable tires.
The Pits
- The Technical Zone (or Pit) is the only place on the course where external technical assistance (hand-ups, tools, spare parts, bike changes) is permitted. Self-sufficiency is required everywhere else.
- Two-Sided Pit: A double-entry/exit pit will be provided. At approximately 1.2km course length and the 2km mark of a 2.5km lap.
- Technical assistance (including bike changes, wheels, parts, and tools) may ONLY be given to a rider within the confines of the designated Technical Zone.
- No assistance from non-competitors is allowed anywhere else on the course. Riders must be self-sufficient outside of the Pit.
- Riders in A and B Grade may stage one spare bike in the Pit.
- Riders in C Grade may stage one spare bike in the Pit, or use a Mountain Bike as their primary.
- If a bicycle suffers a mechanical failure that renders it unrideable outside of the Technical Zone, the rider must carry or run with the bicycle to the Pit to receive assistance.
- Feeding (hand-ups) are NOT permitted outside of the Technical Zone. Any gel wrappers or bottles must be carried by the rider and disposed of responsibly.
- Beer hand-ups will be ignored in accordance with the spirit of Ottercross.
This event will be subject to change in the lead-up to the event please make sure you subscribe to our mailing list for the latest news
Muc-Off Ottercross FAQ’s
Tyre Width
Bike
The Pits
Got questions, check out our detailed event FAQ page or hit us up on the chat icon below
